Gift ideas
Unique baby gifts: 12 ideas that last, including an iceberg in their name
A unique new baby gift that won't end up at the back of a drawer: a real iceberg in the baby's name, things that last and gifts for new parents. Our ideas and advice.
Unique baby gifts are the ones that go beyond the usual bodysuits and soft toys: gifts the parents will keep and the child will enjoy discovering later on. The best ones tell a story about the day of the birth, last over time or genuinely help new parents. Among our ideas: adopting a real iceberg in the baby's name, tracked by satellite, with a certificate dated on their birth. Here are twelve ideas to inspire you, and our advice on choosing well.
Why look for a unique baby gift?
When a baby is born, parents often receive lots of newborn clothes, soft toys and baby toys, sometimes several of each. Babies grow fast, and many of these gifts are only used for a few weeks.
A unique gift stands out in three ways:
- it lasts: the child can keep it, understand it and appreciate it as they grow up;
- it tells a story: about the day they were born, their family or the world they are arriving in;
- it helps the parents: the first weeks are exhausting, and a gift that saves them time is often the most appreciated.
Family 1: gifts that tell the story of the birth
1. A real iceberg in the baby's name
This is the most unusual idea on this list. With Mon Iceberg, you give the symbolic adoption of a real iceberg, in Antarctica or off Newfoundland, tracked by satellite using public data from the U.S. National Ice Center and the International Ice Patrol. The certificate bears the child's name, the position and size of their iceberg, a small world map and your message.
Why it makes a lovely baby gift:
- a story to tell them: "on the day you were born, someone gave you an iceberg";
- a link with the world they will discover: polar ice, climate, geography;
- news every year, if you wish, about the iceberg and the sea ice, like a little birthday ritual.
To be honest: an iceberg always ends up melting, sometimes within months, sometimes over several years. The certificate remains a keepsake, and the iceberg's story becomes one to tell the child. For an iceberg that drifts for a long time, choose a large Antarctic iceberg.
Iceberg D15A
Antarctica · 3,037 km² · 94 × 41 km
from €39.99
Iceberg B22A
Antarctica · 1,229 km² · 54 × 46 km
from €39.99
Iceberg A81
Antarctica · 1,221 km² · 52 × 46 km
from €39.99
Iceberg C36
Antarctica · 848 km² · 43 × 30 km
from €29.99
Iceberg IIP 20014
Iceberg Alley · 16 sightings in 2021
from €19.99
Iceberg IIP 20092
Iceberg Alley · 14 sightings in 2021
from €19.99
2. The front page from the day they were born
A newspaper from the day of the birth, or a small booklet gathering what happened that day (the weather, the songs of the moment, the big news), becomes a moving object to reread ten or twenty years later.
3. A star map of their birth
A poster showing the starry sky above the town of birth, at the exact date and time, makes a lovely decoration for a child's room.
4. A time capsule
A box to be opened on their 18th birthday, into which family and friends slip letters, photos and objects from the moment. It is an ideal group gift for a family or a circle of friends.
Family 2: gifts that last
5. An engraved keepsake
A silver spoon, a christening cup, a milk-tooth box or a small engraved wooden box: a quality, personalised object is sometimes handed down through generations.
6. A library for the first years
A few beautiful books for little ones, chosen for each age (picture books, board books, first stories), each with a note. Second-hand books in good condition are perfect and avoid manufacturing new objects.
7. A tree planted for their birth
Plant a tree in the family garden, or sponsor a planting with a reforestation charity: the tree will grow with the child. Choose an organisation that is transparent about how funds are used.
8. Savings for later
A small deposit into a savings account in the child's name, with a card explaining your intention, may not look original, but parents greatly appreciate it, especially when it comes with a story.
Family 3: gifts for new parents
9. Home-cooked meals for the first weeks
A few home-made dishes to freeze, or a meal rota organised among friends, are often worth more than any object during the first weeks.
10. Time given
A voucher for an evening of babysitting, housework, shopping or a load of laundry: free time is what new parents lack most.
11. A moment for themselves
A massage, a family photo session at home, a dinner delivered for their first evening alone together: a gift that cares for the parents, not just the baby.
12. Second-hand clothes in the next sizes
Rather than yet another newborn sleepsuit, give a bundle of quality second-hand clothes in 6, 12 or 18 months. They will be useful when the parents need them, and second-hand avoids making new, as we explain in our guide to eco-friendly gifts.
How to choose the right baby gift
- Ask the parents what they need, or whether there is a baby registry: it avoids duplicates.
- Think long term: a gift the child can keep and understand as they grow up often makes more of an impression than an object used for a few weeks.
- Personalise it: the name, the date of birth and a handwritten message turn any gift into a keepsake.
- Think of the parents: a meal, time or a moment for themselves are precious gifts.
- Avoid clutter: digital or second-hand gifts are often welcome in a small home.
Choose an iceberg to giveInstant PDF certificate · delivery on the date of your choice · from €19.99
Frequently asked questions
What is a unique new baby gift?
A gift that tells the story of the birth (a real iceberg in the baby's name, a star map of the day they were born, a time capsule), an object that lasts (an engraved keepsake, books) or a gift for the parents (meals, time). Personalisation is what matters most.
Can you give an iceberg for a new baby?
Yes. You enter the child's name as the name on the certificate, along with a message for them or their parents. You can schedule the certificate to be emailed on the day of your choice, or print it to slip into a birth card. The adoption is symbolic and confers no property rights.
How much should I spend on a baby gift?
There is no rule. A unique gift can cost very little (time given, a second-hand book) or more (an engraved keepsake). Adopting an iceberg costs from €19.99 to €39.99 depending on the iceberg.
When should I give a baby gift?
Usually in the weeks after the birth, at the first visit or by post. A digital gift can be sent on the day itself, without disturbing the parents.